Liturgical half-truths and misconceptions

CNS NEWS BRIEFS for April 24, 2007 reveals yet again the battle which we face. The battle between rupture and continuity.

What is particularly interesting is the way CNS frames the issue of the reform of the liturgy: "[Sacrosanctum Concilium] called for the translation of the Mass from Latin to the vernacular."

There is of course a truth to this statement, insofar as Sacrosanctum Concilium did indeed open the door for the use of vernacular in the Roman liturgy. However, the statement clearly can misportray the Council and Sacrosanctum Concilium generally, for it would make it appear that the shift away from Latin to the vernacular (as it has happened) was a mandated reform with regard to the liturgy.

Of course, given that the very same document actually spoke of the importance of the retention of Latin in the liturgy, there is a gross inaccuracy in making such a statement, without any further contextualization or clarification.

Whether intentional or unintentional, a statement like this contributes to further misinformation about both the Council and the liturgy and the CNS should be held accountable for that, given who they represent.